David Parr, Policy and Technical Services Director, said: “The British Safety Council welcomes the government’s intention to confirm basic employee protection rights for so-called ‘gig’ and agency workers. However, we consider that much more needs to be done to offer protection around the principle of ‘zero hours’ contracts and, once again, urge the government to review the potential and actual impact of such working conditions on the health, safety and wellbeing of workers involved.

“The British Safety Council’s recent report on workplace wellbeing, Not just free fruit: wellbeing at work, clearly demonstrates that workers’ wellbeing is inextricably linked to job quality and role satisfaction.”